Want success? Don’t imitate. Emulate.
This isn’t just a word. It’s a word to live by. To develop a credo by. To embody throughout life.
Imitation: a form of flattery?
The word imitation, as defined by Merriam-Webster.com, means, “something produced as a copy”. A twin. Identical.
While the old saying is true, “imitation is the highest form of flattery”, I don’t think the human spirit was meant to stop growing once it had achieved imitation. There are people who have a twin or a dopple-ganger in this world. Why, then, would someone want to remind others of their twin, either directly or indirectly?
Compare the late Steve Jobs to Bill Gates. While both men had similar ideas for their companies, ventured into similar spaces, even performed similar functions, would Apple/Mac/iOS have been as widely known or accepted had it been a copycat of PC/Windows?
Think about what set both worlds apart.
- Computing operating language.
- Functionality. (i.e., option and command keys vs. ALT or control, etc.)
- Shape.
- Availability for people and schools.
- Price.
Thankfully, both systems have stood the test of time and are not even close to similar. Here’s a major difference: when Steve Jobs was alive, he wanted peripherals to always connect to any of Apple’s devices and his software always worked. Bill Gates developed a reputation for his Windows software to always have issues to be worked on. Also, it’s widely known that PCs are more susceptible to viruses and malware than Apple devices.
Definitely not twin material.
Emulation: The Next Level.
Back to our friend, Merriam-Webster: emulation is defined as “an ambition or endeavor to equal or excel others (as in achievement).
W.O.W.
NOT a twin.
If, as a business owner, we wish to make a million dollars, we’re advised to hang out with millionaires and learn what they do. If you want to make a billion dollars, hang out with billionaires. Professional speakers, REALTORS®, models….the list is endless.
That doesn’t mean copy what they do!
- What did they do that worked?
- More importantly, what did they learn didn’t work?
- What can you codify this knowledge into something that will excite and inspire people to follow you?
Discover what you need to learn and understand, put your own spin and style on, and make it yours. Greatness lies inside you. No one can ever copy you.
They can only hope to emulate you.
Be strategic. Be visible. Be found.
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